Left side paralytic event-Status Migrainosus
As a cancer survivor and over 40 surgeries I have never been so scared in all my days!! It all seems so clear now though...my first paralytic event was around age 12...doctors back then couldn't find the cause...blamed it on a scorpion. Throughout my life I have suffered from migraines to varying degrees. Hindsight is 20/20! This migraine in August decided it didn't want to go away...I had been having short bouts of paralysis, but quit going to the ER as they decided I was narcotic hunting?! Narcotics do not help my migraines...not even a little bit. Needless to say that ER flew me out to a major hospital eventually. I am on strong narcotics for other health issues. Currently on Propanolol to prevent migraines & fioricet when one hits. They are not helping. Not only was I paralyzed on my left side...lost sight in left eye & peripheal vision in right eye...along with the excruciating pain that encompasses my entire brain...or that is how it feels anyway. My clues a severe migraine is heading my way are dizziness and inability to concentrate. It was so scary not to be able to form sentences!! I tried and all that came out was one word...I thought this is a stroke, but it wasn't. They found "empty sella turcica" from the MRI that was so painful I passed out!! Why do they put a patient with a severe migraine through the sounds of an MRI?? I am still trying to get my full cognitive abilities back and was released yesterday from my home health physical therapist...YEAH no more cane at my age!! Far too young for all of this...in my 40's. I am so forgetful and easily lose track of what I am speaking about. Will I ever recouperate from this...everytime I turn around another migraine hits! I have been forced to seek out another primary care physician...it's all for the best though...I need a fresh objective view on all my healthcare needs. Should I be referred to a neurologist? Please excuse the rambling of my post...as I stated I haven't regained my full cognitive abilities. I am very scared right now and not sure what to do to help myself...I reside in a very rural area and my health issues are far beyond the "local" clinics & hospital's scope of practices. I am interviewing physicians an hour & a half drive one way...the closest major city is three & a half hours away. ANY TIPS, SUGGESTIONS, COMMENTS, ETC.. WILL BE MUCH APPRECIATED!! Thanks in advance to you all that have taken your time to read my post...I am very grateful to be here!
Hi Dee,
Thank you for sharing your story with us. I am sorry to hear you are going through such a difficult time right now. Let me see what information I can give you that may be helpful.
As tough as it may be, the best thing I may suggest is to see an expert who treats migraine and headache disorders, not simply a neurologist. And here's why - neurologists may be fine doctors but have difficult time being experts in one area. This is because they treat so many different conditions like multiple sclerosis, stroke, epilepsy and others. Migraine/headache disorder specialists are just that, experts in one area - migraine and headache - and have extra board certification in headache medicine whereas all neurologists do not. It's also important to note that all neurologists are NOT migraine/headache disorder specialists even though they may claim to be and all migraine/headache disorder specialists are not neurologists
I know it will be difficult for you to travel to see an expert, but it may really be the best thing you can do for yourself. Many people travel over 8 hours to see their migraine/headache doctor.
I hope this helps,
Nancy
Hi!!! As a life long migraine sufferer I suggest finding a neurologist near you but one that is a headach expert! Sounds simple and easy right? Nope. Call your friends, anyone who has migraines, call your local hospitals for referrals if you must.
I have had the paralysis you mention, the drooping eye, the slurred speech and all of that is pretty much like my "hemiplegic migraines". Not the most common but heck sounds like we won the lottto. Right? 😀 Balance is another issue and I would keep that cane handy and be extra careful you don't trip or fall.
Please be safe, take good care of yourself and let us know what your outcome is. Where are you located?
Hugs and well wishes.....
You are not alone!!!!
Like the previous poster, I also have hemiplegic migraines (drooping face, weakness, slurred speech, etc...). I also urge you keep the cane. Mine has stopped just enough potential falls that I do not leave home without it. You never know when the floor will decide to be a jerk and tilt (at least that is what it feels like to me).
